Curtiss SOC Seagull
From $3.02Price
The Curtiss SOC Seagull was a primary scout-observation biplane used by the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, operating from battleships and cruisers from 1935 throughout World War II. Launched by catapult and landed on water, these aircraft performed reconnaissance, gunfire spotting, anti-submarine patrol, and rescue missions.
Key Areas and Operations of Usage:
- Pacific Theater: Served as the standard cruiser seaplane during the war, including key roles at the Battle of the Coral Sea, Battle of Midway, and the Guadalcanal campaign.
- Atlantic/European Theater: Supported operations such as Operation Torch (North Africa), and the invasions of Sicily and Salerno.
- Other Roles: Used by the Coast Guard for patrols, particularly in Arctic waters.
The SOC was highly versatile, with folding wings for shipboard storage and interchangeable wheel/float landing gear for land-based operations. Although scheduled for replacement, its reliability led to continued service throughout the war.
